OLMSTEAD

We are saddened to announce that James Ansel Olmstead passed away August 15, 2025. James was at home peacefully with family.

He was the son of the late Reverend Claude and Hazel (Casey) Olmstead. James was born in Corning, New York and spent his younger years living in communities in New York State, Ohio, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

He entered the teaching profession after graduating from Acadia University and held teaching and administration positions in Schools in Quebec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. He retired in 1986 after serving 23 years as Principal of the Bridgewater Junior Senior High School.

James is also a member of the Masonic Lodge serving as Master of Acacia Lodge # 39 in 1977. James was keenly interested in music having studied both violin and cello. He sang several times with the Acadia University Glee Club. He was choir director for a United church in Alberta as well as organizing and directing glee clubs in schools in Alberta and Nova Scotia. James sang in a number of church choirs and was a founding member of the Acadia University Male Quartet.

He was also active in baseball and curling as well as an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the woods to hunt, fish and hike. Cranberry picking excursions were one of his most favorite outings that frequently involved the whole family. James also built boats and enjoyed sailing in his two most favorites boats named Ruthless and Ruthless 2. One such boat being the famous Contessa 26.

James was also an expert Beekeeper and became a mentor and problem solver to many over the years in this activity. Nowadays you would call him the “Bee Whisperer.”

James is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marilyn Ruth (Darrow); daughters, Judy (James) Olmstead-O’Regan, Ontario; and Carolyn French, Nova Scotia; son, Paul (Gwen) Olmstead, Nova Scotia; six grandchildren, Matthew (Libby) Olmstead, Brigit O’Regan, Madelyn O’Regan, Alex French, and Amber (Matthew) MacDonald. James is also survived by brother, Dr. David (Elizabeth) Olmstead, New Brunswick, and his sister-in-law Elizabeth Waugh Olmstead.

James was predeceased by his parents, Claude, and Hazel; brother, Vaughn; sister-in-law, Dorothy; and grandson, Cody Olmstead.

Donations in James’ memory may be made to the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater.

Interment to be announced and will take place at the graveside within the Port Wade Baptist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com